BEL Safran Tie-Up to Build HAMMER Precision Weapons in India

India–France Seal Deal to Manufacture HAMMER Smart Strike Systems in India

India and France have taken another major stride in bilateral defence cooperation with the signing of a pact to manufacture HAMMER (Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range) smart precision weapons within India. The agreement strengthens New Delhi’s push to expand indigenous production of advanced weapon systems under “Make in India” and reduce foreign equipment dependence.

Co-Production Framework and Industrial Scope

The partnership brings together Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Safran Electronics & Defence , who will jointly manufacture HAMMER systems for Indian requirements. The arrangement includes the localisation of hardware components, development of long-term maintenance infrastructure and setting up an Indian supply chain to ensure sustained production. The Ministry of Defence stated that the weapon will be tailored for multiple operational configurations suited to India’s terrain and combat needs.

Deployment on Indian Fighter Fleets

The precision-guided HAMMER system will be integrated onto India’s Rafale aircraft , and work is underway to equip the indigenous LCA Tejas with the same capability. The weapon system provides stand-off strike capacity, enabling aircraft to engage hardened targets while remaining beyond enemy air-defence range. The modular architecture allows mission-specific payloads, making HAMMER suitable for deep-strike and tactical battlefield operations.

Exam Oriented Facts

• HAMMER = Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range

• BEL + Safran to co-produce in India with high localisation

• Compatible platforms: Rafale & Tejas (LCA)

• Follows India’s procurement of 26 Rafale-M fighters for the Navy